I went to the refrigerator and grabbed myself a beer. I might as well be relaxed seeing as how this afternoon will probably be the worst afternoon of my life. I sat down on the couch and flipped on the tv only half-ass watching it for the moment. 2 oâclock quickly turned to 3 and I knew that both Alex and Veronica should be coming soon. I was halfway through my 3rd beer by then. I had a little bit of a buzz going, but I didnât really give a damn. I heard the sound of a car pulling up to the driveway and lazily waited on the couch for the unknown visitor. When the door opened, I thought it was Alex, but seeing as how everything else was going wrong today, it ended up being Veronica. A pair of conservative khaki shorts, a sleeveless white turtleneck, and a pair of white tennis shoes now replaced her navy suit from this morning. Hell at least in times of crisis she still looked like a million bucks.
âGood afternoon,â she said calmly, âGod you look like shit.â She added.
âThanks.â I said not really caring and not making any attempt to get her a beverage or speak to her for that matter.
âI can hardly wait to speak to Alex about all this.â she said sarcastically.
I raised my hand in the air, âLet me speak to her.â I said.
Moments later we heard the sound of Alexâs Camry pulling into the driveway. With moments, Alex came through the door. Her eyes immediately darted to Veronica who stood in the entryway to the kitchen. âHey Mom.â She said suspiciously. âWhat are you doing here, shouldnât you still be at work?â Alex shrugged off her backpack and coat leaving them in the hallway.
Veronica stepped forward. âWell sweety, your Father and I have something to talk to you about.â
I stood up and walked to Alex who now stood in the middle of the livingroom and guided her to the couch to sit with me. âSweetheart, your Mother came by this morning to talk to me about us. You know that things have been different around here for the past couple months.â I said.
Alexisâs eyes darted to Veronica then back to me again. I read the dread that lingered in her eyes. âYou guys are getting a divorce arenât you?â she interrupted questioningly.
I stared at her long and hard knowing that she already knew and had probably had suspicions about it for quite awhile.
âWell honey, your Mother and I think that itâs best if we do go our separate ways yes. We both have agreed that a divorce is best for both of us.â I said to her. Her eyes glazed over lightly.
Veronica stepped forward. âHoney we know this is hard for youâŠ.â She said before being given a fiery glare from Alex.
âHard for you?!!â Alexis yelped, standing up. â You donât know anything!â
Veronica stood frozen in place as Alex yelled. I watched as a single tear ran down her left cheek. âYouâve never been here. Youâre always at your god damned office or out with that guy.â She started blurting out almost everything she could think of. âIâve seen him waiting in the car for you when you come by to pick up a pair of clothes or to pick up your mail. Donât you think I fucking see anything?!!â she screamed.
Veronica crossed her arms, a cold stare frozen on her face. âNow young lady I will not have you speak to me that way! Your father is as much to blame for this as I am.â
Alex rolled her eyes and gave a hurtful laugh. âYeah right, whatever you say.â
I stood up, putting my arm over Alex. âSweetheart donât speak to your Mother that way. I know youâre upset, I am too.â
Alex quickly dismissed my comforting hand and stormed up the stairs to her bedroom without another word, leaving both Veronica and I frozen in place staring at eachother. Veronica grabbed her purse off the counter and looked at me. âWell,â she said, â I think that went over nicely. I think she needs to cool off. I will give you a call most likely Wednesday to let you know about when Iâll be over to collect my things.â
I nodded, my only concern right now was Alex. Veronica left without another word as I climbed the steps to Alexâs room. The door was locked and I could hear the loud humming of that teen bop music she listens to blasting. I decided it best if I let her be by herself for awhile, no need making it worse by talking about it now. I went downstairs and started dinner. It looked like Iâd be eating alone tonight.
*****
I cooked up some spaghetti and left the rest for Alex if she decided to come down. It was about 6 and she still hadnât come down from her room. I didnât much blame her though. The way I was feeling right now, I wouldnât have been much for company anyway. I decided to eat in the diningroom. We hardly ever used that room anymore. I didnât want to watch tv tonight. I just wanted to eat in quiet, even if it was by myself. I sat at the end where I normally sat when Veronica, Alex, and I would all eat together some years ago. At the memory, I felt my eyes water. God, why was this happening? Iâm losing my wife and maybe even my daughter. I could handle losing Veronica, but not Alex; never AlexâŠ..